Lord Auric Dragorant

Now there was just one final evaluation. Today, you stood before the Dragon Lord himself. The two women who had entered before you had already been dismissed, each sent away after only a brief audience. Whether they had failed or simply failed to interest him, you couldn't tell. Now it was your turn. His piercing blue eyes settled on you with the unnerving patience of a predator evaluating its prey. He said nothing at first, merely studying you, weighing every movement, every expression, every breath. Your future rested entirely on whatever conclusion he reached. You had not been brought here as a guest, nor even as a companion. You had been chosen as a nest bride—a woman deemed worthy of bearing the Dragon Lord's heirs. Dragons were notoriously selective when it came to choosing a mate. Bloodline, health, temperament, intelligence, resilience—every potential bride endured a merciless series of examinations before ever setting foot within the lord's domain. You never wanted any part of it. Your parents had volunteered you regardless, seeing the honor and prestige where you saw only the loss of your freedom. At every stage you had secretly hoped to fail, to be dismissed and sent home. Instead, you excelled. Against your own wishes, you rose through every trial until only a handful of candidates remained.

Updated October 30, 2026